ANNOUNCEMENT!

This story and many others are a part of a mass update I myself am doing for Christmas this year.

This includes Oneshots with Gorgon/Medusa (from Fate), Penny Polendina (RWBY), Nightingale (Fate), Supergirl (Dc) and more...

Additionally some of my other stories have been updated, including: Phantom of the Underworld, Heart Under a Blade, Hail to the King!, Mockingbird, Wrecked, and a few new stories as well...

Right now FFN's stats aren't working, so only way I can tell a story is doing well. So only way I can tell you like a story is through Reviews, Follows, and Favorites.

So please leave some if you want these stories to be updated, it really helps out alot. And please check out some of my other stories.

And Merry Christmas

:)

~ RWV3N

Please leave me lots and lots of NICE reviews.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, DC, or any other media I use in this story. They belong to their respective owners…

12/25/23

Penance (A Christmas special)

"Supes, you know this is a bad idea," a voice sighed.

"Come on, it can't be that bad…"

"Yeah, Whiskers, of course, there was no way we were going to leave you in the watchtower alone on Christmas Eve. Now come on, you'll love it here"

"Besides, Batman practically begged for monitor duty," the tall man stated, as he followed him.

The air was cold, far colder than he'd ever experienced in the wintertime in his home, so much so that it didn't even compare, as white flakes littered the ground all around him. The only time he could say he'd experienced anything like this was that one winter morning when he was about five. Everyone in his village had been stupified since in fire country temperature never got down so low that snow would be able to form. Subsequently, it had also been the day he had met Hinata, a girl his age he'd 'saved' from a group of bullies only to get the snot kicked out of him.

Hinata.

Just the thought of her brought even more bad memories to the forefront of his mind.

He looked around for a distraction, any distraction, to get his mind off of what he was previously thinking of. He found solace in observing the people around him, two figures.

The first was tall, if a bit muscular; although if you looked at him within his civilian attire you wouldn't notice, the dark-haired male. With blue eyes, black circular glasses, almost like Kabuto's in some aspects, pale, if a bit tan skin. As he wore a large, brown, fur-lined coat and blue scarf that he wore for who knows what reason, heaven knows he didn't need it. As he carried a set of very large and expertly wrapped gifts on his shoulders with ease.

This man was Clark Kent, some knew him as a writer at The Daily Planet. Although most knew him by a different name, one with far more influence than a simple writer. That name was Superman, the Man of Steel, the Last Son of Krypton, and the man who turned the entire planet on its feet. How could he not? He was just that amazing after all, risking his very life and doing things no human could ever do for the ordinary everyday person. After getting to know the man, he could see why everyone admired him

He was a Hero.

As his eyes looked at him, his eyes soon left and found the figure who had given him a lot of trouble within the past few months of being on this planet. She was particularly and ever so obviously female, with her long blonde hair, and a very shapely figure that left nearly every man on the planet wanting. How could they not, after all, even as she was covered in the soft winter coat she was adorned in he could see her long, slender legs. Her shapely, wide hips, slim waist, large–yet not overly so–bust, and those blue eyes that were staring right— Oh how it seemed she had caught him staring!

Playful, teasing eyes stared back at him, although they made no action to cause him to turn away. But even still he did, unable to look the girl in the eye after she caught him checking her out–Err… he meant, you know what he was doing.

Even still, he couldn't help but admire the girl, as, just like her cousin, she was amazing in her own way. After all, she was just like him; Supergirl. That's how the world knew her, Superman's younger and more fiery cousin from the same planet the Son of Krypton originated. A hero who saved people at the cost of herself, and a person who had helped him all the same.

In all honestly, she was the first friend he had ever made when arriving on the planet. How could he not, after all, with the girl's stubborn streak he couldn't refuse her. The young woman always taking her around Metropolis, taking him to various shops, restaurants, and scenic places alike. Y'know, now that he thought about it, the places they went to almost sounded like a da–

No! It couldn't be, could it? Even in his home world the girls there never bothered to show him the time of day. And when they did they did it in a way that was far more subtle. But no, she couldn't be… could she?

He turned towards her, her glistening eyes never leaving him for a second, which only caused him to turn away from her once again. As they continued on their short journey to their destination on the pavement. It wasn't long before they reached the small, two-story home along the countryside. As, Clark, still holding the large presents, opened the door with expert ease, the door not even being locked.

And, as if the two on the other side had been waiting for them, an older couple with grey hair and dark eyes walked up to their son.

"Clark," the older woman said happily gazing upon the man, and it wasn't long before she walked up to him, hugging him across his waist. The man did the same, wrapping his arms around his shoulders.

The Kyptoniann smiled at time, almost singing a merry tune as he saw them, "Hi, Ma, Pa. Merry Christmas!" he greeted them, and Naruto could almost feel the joy leaking from his voice.

The two Kents smiled as well, before pulled back, a look of concern glazing her face. "Have you been eating dear? You look thin," she asked her son.

"Oh Ma…" Superman sighed contently as if she said this every time he had visited them.

Luckily, it seemed the old man at her side gave him an out. Lord knows could be quite tenacious when it came to the health of her child. "Good to have you home again, son," told Clark as well.

As the man silently thanked his father for the escape, "Yeah, good to be back," he told them honestly, walking into the room as he heaved the giant gift boxes right over the two's heads. But not before he gave them one final bit of information, "And I brought some friends…" Clark told them, as the two turned towards the open door, seeing just who he was referring to. A familiar blonde young woman stepped up to the door sill, a happy expression as she looked at them.

A smile washed over their faces, "Kara!" They both engulfed the girl in a hug in a similar way to what they had done to Clark just seconds before. But, as they ended their embrace, a new figure showed up in their vision, their eyes couldn't help but widen at his appearance.

They say a young man, about just seventeen years in age gazed at them. His appearance was strange, as his skin was abnormally pale, the the point it was almost a ghostly white, as if he had been covered in some kind of powder. Gone was the abnormally bright and blonde hair he'd once sported in his youth, as it seemed the sun had faded. Turning the same shade as his skin, an unearthly white so stark it was as if bones stood atop his head, a set of twin horns poking out his forehead. Additionally, his clothes were much the same, as he was adorned in a set of colorless robes with six magatama-like markings lining around his neck.

But the most abnormal thing about him were his eyes, as the ocean blue orbs that he had once had faded with time, morphed, changed. As they had become something of a coveted diamond among precious gems. Twin silver eyes with several rings now littered his eyelids.

The Rinnegan.

The eyes of Gods, the doujutsu of the Sage of six paths, and the pinnacle of all things of ocular perspectives. They were also his curse, something he'd long since been forced to get used to on his time on this planet.

For some reason, he was nervous when stepping up to them, his hand across the back of his neck, as he refused to meet their gazes. "Uh… Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Kent, I hope I'm not intruding, Superm– Clark and Kara were pretty forceful with me coming here," he stated expecting to see looks of scorn, or at the very least fear at his new appearance. For the most part, aside from the various other supers he'd met on Earth, he'd never interacted with anyone in this form. He always chose to use a Transformation jutsu to change his appearance back to his unaltered original whenever he walked about the normal populace. He had elected to do the same for her, but the two Kryptonians had insisted on him doing otherwise.

"My name is Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki, and, as you can see… I'm not really from around here," he introduced, at least trying to be polite if it probably wouldn't even help much.

But, as he looked up, it wasn't the strange looks he had been expecting to see from the two, but a pair of kind, welcoming eyes that gazed upon his as they did so. "Oh, we're no strangers to aliens in this house, just make yourself at home," the elder Kent told him, as the couple placed a comforting hand along each of his shoulders. It was… nice?

"Oh that reminds me, Kara-dear, didn't you say you weren't going to be home for the holidays this year?" spoke up, as she led him towards the Christmas tree. Clark and Kara were standing at the base of it, the former having already set his presents down for the following day.

The daughter of Krypton smiled, "Oh, yeah I did, but, something came up, and besides, Barbra and I decided on going skiing for New Year's," she told them. Although none of them seemed to notice the girl was eyeing Naruto as she spoke.

"Welt that's wonderful," spoke.

"Well, since Kara is staying, why doesn't Naruto stay in the guest room?" suggested, his wife nodded, especially given they already had enough space for him.

"Well I think that's a wonderful idea, why don't I show Naruto around the house while you get dinner ready," Clark told his parents, who agreed.

Turning to the ninja he spoke, "Come on, I'll give you a tour," Superman stated. Before he grew a somewhat teasing smirk as he looked at his blonde-haired cousin. "I can even show you around Kara's old room," he spoke, as the girl's eyes widened.

Her head snapped in his direction, "Clark!"

Naruto blinked, he could already tell this holiday was going to be odd.

XXX

Sometime later

Just as purposed Clark showed him around his childhood home, knowing the place like the back of his hand. And in many ways, he did.

"Alright, and here's Kara's room," the man spoke, as he flicked on the lights. Having already shown him everywhere else in the house, including where he would be staying.

Naruto blinked, "Wow it's…" The sight he was greeted with was particularly one he was expecting. Although, given he had never really been within a girl's room before he could say it was somewhat how he expected.

The walls and carpet were littered with a plethora of different shades of pink and purple, with things like mirrors, picture frames, and even a few posters of some boy bands that he'd heard about but never actually listened to. Hell, there were even a few stuffed animals of various cartoon characters Kara had forced him to learn when trying to acclimate him to Earth culture.

That certainly had been an interesting experience.

"Yeah, Kara hasn't been here in a while, but Ma likes to keep it clean so she comes in regularly," Clark informed, and he could see that given the lack of dust within the room.

He couldn't help but trail his finger across a nearby desk. But soon, his melancholy was broken, speaking on something that had been bothering him since he got here. And it was at this point Naruto looked at the Man of Steel, glancing at him as if he were a ghost. "Y'know, Clark, it's odd to see you acting like this," he told him honestly.

He'd always looked at Superman as a beacon of strength, one of power, and conviction. One with compassion and will. But, seeing Clark here and now, it was almost like… like he was a child, excited about this strange earthly holiday like well, a child on Christmas Day.

It was strange.

Superman smiled at him, knowing exactly what he was talking about. "Yeah. That's why I like it home for the holidays, I can just relax and be myself," he sighed, leaning across the door sill.

And, as if to emphasize this point, made his presence known across the hall. "Okay everybody, I'm about to turn on the Christmas tree!" He shouted.

As Clark looked aghast, "Pa! That me my job!" Superman whined, almost like a child.

Naruto couldn't fault the man, in his world, people often took refuge in odd habits. It was the only sanctuary one could get from their lifestyle, and in many ways, it was their way of coping with their actions. What they had done on missions, what they had been ordered to do.

Looking back, it had been the main reason most of the Jonin acted so strangely. Kakashi with his strange books, Gai with his exuberant behavior, and Asuma with his cigarette fixation. Hell, even Jiraya with his peeping could be attributed to this case, even if the man was still a pervert. He had always attributed these actions as nothing more than odd quirks, but now, he knew far too well the solace one took on these activities. After all, shinobi who didn't have some distractions didn't end well. It had been no wonder many weren't surprised with what people like Orochimaru or the infamous Itachi Uchiha had been up to.

The thought of memories long since passed flooded back to him, and with them… bitter regret.

All the Jonin he'd mentioned before, and everyone he didn't mention were dead. Kakashi, Gai, Kurenai, and Gemma, all of them had perished, and everyone else from his home world didn't fare much better. All of the Konoha 13, Sai, Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Tenten, Neji, Lee, Kiba, Shino… Hinata.

Even his teammates were much the same, only Sakura and Sasuke were among the last to fall. All because of one person…

Kaguya Otsutsuki.

The rabbit goddess, the mother of all chakra, the bearer of the divine tree, and the one person who had spelled the end for all shinobi.

The Fourth Great Shinobi War hadn't quite turned out as intended, nothing did. All of the five great nations United together, fighting not for their respective villages but for the betterment of all humankind. They had to, after all, no one village could take on Akatsuki alone.

The organization of S-ranked missing nin had declared war on the world. Choosing to unite all of the Bijuu together, taking them from the very Jinchuriki themselves. People like him, with beings of chakra sealed within them from a young age. They hoped to recreate a power so vast no one would be able to stand in their way.

Obito, previously masqueraded as Madara Uchiha has United an army of White Zetsu, vile creatures from long ago. That, along with Kabuto's even more ghastly Edo-Tensei technique had been able to take on a majority of the world's ninjas on equal standing.

It also didn't help that the true Madara Uchiha had also been brought back with this technique even better than before. Now possessing the infamous Rinnegan, it seem nobody would be able to stop him. Even the five Kage could do nothing in his wake.

He hadn't been much better; as with the eight-tails Jinchuriki, he'd fought Obito. Who, with the power of seven of the Bijuu his organization had captured, along with slivers of the Eight and Nine-tails chakra, managed to recreate the ten-tails. The original progenitor of chakra and the Bijuu.

With it, they had barely managed to take Obito on, and, if it hadn't been for the freshly revived previous Four Hokage they wouldn't have. With Sasuke and the other's help, they managed to stand up to Obito.

The true Madara was another story, as even with their new powers they were powerless to stop him. He stole the remaining Bijuu and completed the ten-tails in its perfect state. Allowing him to trap the entirety of the world within a perfect illusion of his own making.

He and Sasuke should have died, had it not been for Hagoromo Otsutsuki. Who granted them even more power to stop the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

But it was too late; as black Zetsu had turned on his supposed creator. Reviving the one known as Kaguya Ofsutsuki, his true mother, and the one who had originated it all.

But they had been equipped with seals from the sage to be able to seal her away. All they had to do was both lay a hand on the woman.

Unfortunately; things hadn't quite turned out as planned, as even with their new powers it seemed even then they weren't a match.

Sakura and Kakashi were the first to fall, having been protected from the eternal illusion by Sasuke's Susanoo. Kaguya pierced them clean with her all-killing ash bone technique. Obito, who had turned to their side, wasn't much better. Sacrificing himself in an attempt to save his own life.

It had only been him and Sasuke left, in the king drawn out battle, and…

It seemed Sasuke's endurance hadn't been a match for an Uzumaki's, and even Kaguya's herself. He had gotten too slow, his movements too predictable, his eyes too weak.

It had been no wonder Kaguya killed him, and he— he— He snapped!

He couldn't take it anymore, as he fought with harsh brutality, not caring anymore about sealing Kaguya as he went straight for the kill.

Even the mighty goddess herself hadn't been a match for his Uzumaki willpower. Although don't get him wrong, it still took a good few days of battle for the woman to give out, numerous dimensions having been destroyed in their conflict.

He didn't care. And, when Kaguya had been preparing to send them to another one, he didn't give her the chance. Somewhere along the lines, Kaguya messed up and they'd ended up in a destination she'd likely not intended.

She didn't live long enough to think on it, as, through an earthshaking blow he had made this world her graveyard.

Sending his palm straight through her chest, a blow not even an Otsutsuki could recover from. He'd finally been able to put the mad goddess to rest, for the last time.

Unfortunately, covered in Kaguya's blood along the battlefield, he's also heard the woman mutter something in a dialect he's not heard of. Whether it was a curse or a blessing he didn't know, but he'd soon passed out afterward.

He's woken up in a cell that belonged to the Justice League, his appearance not unlike that of Kaguya's. And with a burden of regrets so heavy not even a gravity could match.

Kurama was gone, his voice not even whisper, and he'd know that so was everyone else.

He knew he was too late.

He was too late. Kaguya's jutsu, the Infinite Tsukuyomi had likely long since done its job. As everyone in the Shinobi Nations had been turned into nothing more than white zetsu.

With this knowledge, he was in an abyss no one could find. And everything that happened next was pretty much a blur. In all honesty, he hadn't recovered.

Waking up in a cell hadn't been fun but after his less-than-stellar outbreak. He'd managed to come across some other members of the league, particularly Superman, and with it came answers.

Where he was, who they were, and why he was there. It had been a lot to take in, but he'd managed. He even told them where he was from, although he had omitted certain facts about himself and what exactly had happened.

It also wasn't too long after that he'd been instated as a probationary member of the league. His fight with Kaguya had quite literally shaken the entire earth. Anything less than that or him in a cell wouldn't be enough to soothe the populace.

Of course, the man in Midnight wasn't too happy about it. Which is why he'd been forced to have a league member pretty much watch over him 24/7 to make sure he didn't try anything.

He'd been amicable, people like Flash and Supes were always great company. And he'd even met a fellow warrior in Wonder Woman.

That had also been where he'd met Supergirl, Kara Zor-el, as she had also been a member sent to watch over him. And, given the fact they were pretty close in age, it was no surprise they'd become friends. After all, the girl hadn't taken anything less. She did have a stubborn streak to her, so much so that it reminded him of himself in his younger years.

He'd also made his debut as a hero, helping the league in their many grand escapades. As he's learned his way around the new powers he'd developed with this new form Kaguya had 'gifted' him.

Months went by, as he was taken to the present.

But even still he's never forgotten his friends and family, after all, he saw them every time he dreamed. Every time he slept, every time he closed his eyes. Their images haunted him nearly every second, a bitter minder of just how he had failed to save everyone.

And now nobody was left.

The weight was heavy upon his shoulders, he was truly the last of his kind.

He didn't know when, but somewhere in his thoughts, he'd been forced to sit down. Resting himself along the bed he'd gazed at just moments before.

Nor did he notice the nearby tabby cat that had wrapped itself around his leg. Animals always just seemed to do that, likely a byproduct of his mastering of Senjutsu.

But, it seemed he hadn't been the only one in the areas, as Kara, out of concern for her friend, had taken to watching him outside the doorway.

A frown permeated his beautiful features, one formed the moment she'd seen Naruto's silver eyes glaze over with darkness.

She'd known the feeling and knew he needed someone there for him to keep him towards the light.

… she had to be that person.

Stepping into the room, as she knocked on the doorway, grabbing Naruto's attention as his head snapped in her direction.

"Hey whiskers, Aunty Kent told me to come and get you, says dinner is about to be ready soon," she informed.

And soon, they'd both been off to do as requested, all the while. Thoughts of what Kara had seen still filled her mind.

XXX

" Oh hahaha!" The Clark's laughed in remembrance. They were all now gathered around the dinner table, eating a nice home-cooked meal that on all honestly couldn't compare to anything else he had gotten. Not that he had ever really gotten any home-cooked meals before, after all, the closest thing he could say of the sort was whenever he'd go to the Ichiraku's home and restaurant for some ramen. And the warm beverage they'd given him, hot cocoa, they called it, wasn't half bad either.

"Oh this little guy was crazy for Christmas," chuckled. "We used to wrap his presents in lead foil so he wouldn't peak," he said, looking at his son.

Clark looked at him back, "You mean Santa wrapped them," Clark corrected, eyeing his parents.

The two elder Kents shared a look, both having thought they'd told their child the truth already. But, deciding now wasn't the best time for such revelations, they just carried on with their little lie.

"Oh, of course dear," said warily. Although they couldn't stop the small stifling giggles coming out of Kara's lips, trying desperately and failing to reign in her laughter.

That was, until, she turned her head slightly, catching Naruto within her peripherals. All the while, the shinobi looked at him with a hollow expression, his eyes still being glazed over, as if he wasn't there with them. A shadow in the corner of the room, one only seen once you fully paid attention to them.

Luckily, also seemed to notice this, as she called for his attention. "Now, Naruto," she stated.

As Naruto was brought back to reality, eyeing the woman, although he hadn't really given her any mind. "Hmm?"

smiled, standing from her seat, as she crossed her arms behind her back. "Kara tells us you're on your own this year, we don't allow anyone to visit for the holidays without taking a present home with them," she stated, Naruto wanted to argue, but she left no room for an argument. And, as if to emphasize this point, she pulled out a largely wrapped gift box from her back. Seemingly out of thin air, although she had hidden it away under the table. As the woman began to hand it to him.

The boy looked at it for a matter of seconds, he wanted to protest, but he felt that even then that wouldn't be accepted. In the end, Naruto looked into the woman's eyes, seeing them sparkle with both motherly warmth in kindness to the point it was almost overwhelming. "But I… I didn't get you anything," he argued weakly, unable to put up a fight from such a visage.

And even then the woman was ready, as she didn't waver in the slightest. "Nonsense, your company is the only present we need."

Naruto looked around, seeing both Clark and Kara eager to see him open it. Deciding to not put up any fights, he hesitantly grabbed the gift box. Slowly tearing off both the yellow ribbon and the red wrapping paper to reveal the white box that lay inside.

Opening it, he was met with an unexpected sight. It was a soft sweater, cream in color, with a light brown zig-zagged line running through it. "Our group at the community center always knits a few extra gifts," Martha explained. The sweater wasn't much, but she hoped it would be enough to give to people who were less than fortunate to not have anyone to turn to on Christmas morning.

It was very thoughtful, so much so that Naruto couldn't help but exclaim. "It's… lovely," he commented, examining it for all its worth.

And it was, as he could see each stitch was tailored with the maker's heart and soul. He never really received gifts, over on rare occasions did he do so. So he was taken aback that the woman would go so far for a person she'd just met.

The thought brought bitterness back into his mind, especially when she gazed at him. Her emotions were almost overwhelming, like the sun, and he couldn't bask in its light any longer.

Naruto rose from his seat, causing all to look at him in concern, was the first to speak. "Oh, is it not your size? I tried to get the right one, but…" she asked, wondering if that was the problem.

"No, it's fine," Naruto interrupted, the size wasn't the problem, he could see the woman had guessed accurately enough and he was sure it would fit him. "It's just, it's getting late, I'm a little tired this evening. I think I'll head to the guest room for the night," he told them, not meeting them in the eyes any longer.

All of them knew he was lying.

And it wasn't long before Naruto departed, not seeing the noticeable frowns that littered all of their faces.

Superman was the first to react, as he was about to check on his friend to see if he was okay. He had known the look he saw in Naruto's eyes and knew it wasn't any good to deal with alone.

But, as he tried to, and hand stopped him. He looked up, seeing his blonde cousins smiling at him bitterly, "Don't worry, Clark, I've got this," Kara told him, and somewhere inside of him, he knew the girl could help him.

He nodded, content with this outcome.

XXX

(With Naruto)

He didn't want to mean anything by leaving, he just… couldn't be around them any longer.

They were all just too nice, too kind, too heartwarming, he absolutely hated it. Although that's not to say he hated the people around him, that wasn't it either. He just hated the situation he was in…

Because he knew he didn't deserve it.

Every time he was around them he just knew he was out of place. Like a puzzle piece that fit into the parameters, but was utterly so obviously not matching the design of the others it was absurd.

And don't get him wrong, he knew he was being a burden. He knew he was basically bruting in the same ways he used to make fun of Sasuke for doing. He just didn't care at this point, and he couldn't help it.

Every single time he closed his eyes, they appeared.

He could see every single one of their faces, every single one of his friends who were no longer with him. Growing up as an orphan, he was always alone, he never had anybody. But, as he made new friends, and met new people, bonds were formed. Almost like that of an actual family, something he always desired.

That's why it always hurt so much knowing he was without them.

Knowledge of his occupation didn't help much either. After all, he was a Shinobi, one who was supposed to give their life for their village, for their nation.

Yet he was still here, everyone else wasn't. The very concept was baffling and only meant one thing.

He was a failure.

He failed everyone, he wasn't able to protect those he cared about, to protect the next generation of people of the world.

Honestly, he didn't know how he could live with that information; it sunk a hollow hole in his chest. A pain so deep that it reverberated throughout his very soul, it hurt. Because he knew that he couldn't do anything to lighten it.

Looking over the nearby city with his advanced eyes, he could see all the bustling people scampering about on this supposed holiday. They were all so happy, wearing gentle smiles on all their faces for this festive season.

It all reminded him of his home, of Konoha.

Saving people of this world was the only compensation he could give to lighten some of this guilt. To pay for all of his failures, but deep down, he knew, that it would never work.

It never did, but he couldn't stop helping people. Call it what you will, and perhaps it was just Clark's philosophies washing over him. But he didn't care, and, some small, sad part of him hoped that in helping people of this world, it would somehow make things better with his own. Or at the very least things could be better, that he was repaying the debt he owed to his people.

He knew it would never equal out, the debt he'd racked up was just far too high.

He just… couldn't help but try.

"So, this is where you've run off to, whiskers," a voice made itself know, as idly, he turned his head slightly. Seeing the Girl of Steel floating in the sky, her hair billowing out in the wind. He wasn't surprised to see the girl, as truthfully, he hadn't hidden himself. Chose to rest in the room of the Kent house, as he knew, if one of the Kryptonians wanted to, they could always look off for miles with those enhanced eyes of theirs.

She offered a hand towards him, "Now, come on, you'll get cold out here," she told him, although they both knew it to be a joke more than anything.

But it was funny enough to cause Naruto to gain a small smile, "Kara, you know I don't get cold," he told her. And it was true, ever since he'd acquired this new form, he'd never gotten too cold, or too hot. Likely due to the fact he'd also gained pretty invulnerable skin, almost like that of the Kryptonians.

Kara smiled down at him, although she knew Naruto would be stubborn about this. But she was stubborn too, and she knew she wouldn't be leaving unless Naruto was at her side.

Plopping herself next to him on the rooftop, slightly shocking Naruto "Kara-chan, what are you doing?" He inquired, not understanding her actions.

Kara's smile widened, "Well, isn't it obvious, I'm going to be sitting with you," she told him dryly, only stating the obvious. "Got a problem?" she inquired.

Naruto looked at her, "No, it's not that," the Shinobi told her shaking his head. "Shouldn't you be down with the others?" He knew she had come specifically here to see them, he didn't want to be a burden, and he knew that her being here only meant that Kara wouldn't be spending as much time with them.

"Oh, that," Kara realized what he was meaning, before waving off his notions completely. "I can always come and visit Aunty and Uncle Kent anytime I want to, but this… I can't do this very often," she said, laying her head against his shoulder.

Such a weight felt as if the weight of the world was upon him. Not because of any physical restrictions, but because of the guilt he felt when she rested upon him. But even still he couldn't bear to push her away, choosing to remain still, lifeless even, as he drifted back into his old memories.

That was, until… a finger reached up to the top of his cheek, right onto his whiskers, instantly catching his attention. He looked over to see Kara looking up at him, a cheeky smile across her face. "Hey now, can't have you go and drift off away from me, can I?"

Such a thing would usually cause a small smile to drift onto his face, today was not one of those instances. He just wanted to be alone right now. "Kara, what are you doing here?" he asked once again.

But this time, Kara frowned at the question, as she took her head instantly off his shoulder, looking out over the distance. "Can't a friend just come over and help their friend whenever they need it?" she asked, she didn't the response she wanted.

Friend.

That's what they called him, that's what she called him.

He couldn't deny it, but somewhere, deep inside of him, she couldn't help but feel bitterly at the idea. Don't get him wrong, he liked Kara, as was fond of her, and loved– being around her, but he couldn't quite shake the feeling of hollowness at the thought.

He knew he was undeserving of her, and would only spell more pain as long as their paths were crossed. He knew he had to end this.

Naruto stood up, walking to the other side of the home's rooftop, he couldn't bear to face her, not now. This caused the blonde Krypotonia to look at him, she could tell something was riddling his mind.

"Naruto?" she just wanted to understand him.

She wasn't met with any response, until finally, Naruto started to speak up, "Kara, I think…" the boy said hesitantly, trying to put his thoughts into words. "I think I should leave the Justice League." it had been the thought riddling his mind, and had been the one thing he'd been thinking about for some time. Only for one reason.

He didn't deserve to be called a hero.

He didn't deserve to be showered with praise and admiration, he wasn't Superman, he didn't do anything to garner their attention, and he knew he didn't deserve it.

But even still, he couldn't bear the thought of looking at Kara when he told her this. He wasn't even met with a verbal response, just utter silence, and, in a way, that was even heavier.

Slap.

A harsh palm met the side of his cheek, something that utterly surprised him, he turned over to see the sight of his blonde accuser.

"How could you do such a thing, how could you just go and leave us like that?" He could see tears welling up in her blue eyes, each drop felt like the weight of the universe upon him. "Barry, Dianna, Clark… Me? How could you do that?" She wanted to know what was bothering him, why did he have to keep things to himself like this. Couldn't he see that it was eating him up inside?

"I just… want to know what's going on in your head," she told him, she wanted to try and understand.

Naruto looked even more ashamed at her statement, not willing to look the girl in her eyes. But even still he couldn't bear the thought of telling her. " I'm sorry Kara, I just–"

"Oh no you don't, tell me what's wrong," she forced, and as to emphasize this point, she grabbed onto the hem of his collar, lowering his face to meet her eyes.

Naruto could tell she was being stubborn, but unlucky for her, he could just be. "Kara, I can't–"

"Don't give me that crap, Naruto!" Kara interrupted, and he could see this was tearing the girl apart, just like him. "Didn't we mean anything to you, didn't you care about us?" she accused. "Well, we care about you."

"And it's precisely that fact that I can't bear to see you guys anymore," Naruto yelled back, as Kara looked at him with a face of shock. Instantly, she let go of him, as he fixed himself up, still not meeting her gaze. "Look, Kara, you shouldn't care about me any longer, people always get hurt when they do." Everyone in Konoha cared about him, and look where that had gotten them. Dead, he was a failure, unable to save them when they needed it most.

"I can't do that, Naruto," Kara told him, and it was true, she didn't think she could ever forget him. As she forcefully grabbed onto his palm, clutching both of her hands within her own. "Please, tell me what's wrong with you," she pleaded, far more sincerely than what she had done before.

"Kara, you know I couldn't save them, couldn't save my home," Naruto admitted, he just wanted her to see reason before it was too late. "Every time I close my eyes, every time I blink, every time I breathe, it's like…"

"Like you just living isn't enough in the wake of their demise," Kara finished, far too empathetically to be just a guess.

This caused, Naruto's head to shoot toward her, and his eyes widened. She only looked at him, in a way that was as if she completely understood what he was thinking, and in a way, she did.

"Clark wasn't old enough to remember Krypton, how could he? He was only a baby after all," Kara smiled bitterly. "But I was, I was able to meet people, to know people, my parents for one thing. And I was there to see the destruction of my home world," she admitted. "So believe me, I do know what you're going through."

"Kara…" Naruto trailed off, not knowing that she had felt the same way as him.

The girl fubbed her fingers gently against his knuckles, as he looked her directly in the eyes. "So please, don't go down this path alone. Heaven knows I wouldn't have made it without everyone." If it hadn't been for Clark, if it hadn't been for everyone, she didn't know where she would be right now. "So please, come sit with me, let's watch the stars this Christmas." It was getting late, and soon the clock would strike midnight.

Not taking no for an answer, she led him off to the place they had been previously been sitting. As she rubbed her finger against his cheek, spotting the small, yet noticeable with her eyes, bags under his eyes. "Naruto, when was the last time you slept?" she asked of him.

As Naruto looked down, truthfully he couldn't answer, as every time he closed his eyes, he saw them.

Kara knew what he was thinking, and in the beginning, she had been the same. Even now, Krypton's death had still weighed heavy on her. "Alright, come here," she stated. As Naruto turned to see what she was doing, blushing, as she patted her thighs, motioning for him to move closer. "Well come on, we don't have all day," she said teasingly.

Naruto knew she couldn't take no for an answer, so he did so. Her thighs were soft, way softer than anything else he had been given to rest on. And the fact that she was toned from her training, yet not overly so, only made them softer.

"You know Kara, I'm still a failure," he argued.

But Kara shook her head, she didn't see it that way. The way Naruto always rushed head first into danger, without fear for his own life, as he only wanted to save every person he could. She would never call that a failure.

"I'm also a freak," he said, motioning to his now, more alien-like appearance.

Kara only rubbed his whisker marks lightly, she didn't think he was a freak. How could she? After all, it had been the only way she had ever known him.

Soon enough, Naruto was able to drift off into sleep, a pleasant smile on his face for the first time in a while. The Kryptonian girl matched his expression.

She hoped that she had gotten through to him, he hoped that she could understand him. He was her friend, probably the person she cared most about. And even with his darkness he always seemed to bask in the light.

It was what endeared him to her, after all.

It was why she loved him

Soon she too fell asleep on the rooftop. No nightmares were to be had that night, the two had each other to help themselves. They were just that broken after all.

The End.

An: This was obviously inspired by the Justice League Animated series Christmas special, with Naruto taking on Martian Manhunter's place in the whole thing.

I also added Kara in the the mix, because I think they'd have a interesting relationship. I also decided to give her a bit of the hotheaded, cheeky personality she has in some of the comics.

Now, this story was inspired by another idea I had of doing this as a full series. Problem is, that I don't really know too much about the other/outer aspects of the Dc universe. And I don't know too much about the more unknown heroes. So, I guess if I want to do something like this, I'll have to watch the full series, maybe the Animated movies too. Since I don't really know how to get into the comics very well.

Idk, let me know if you think this story and would want to see it as a fully series?

And, as always, merry Christmas.

Please leave me lots and lots of NICE reviews.